The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that he met the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Makinde made this known on Monday during the official presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition to the new monarch.
The ceremony, held at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, marked the culmination of the selection process for the revered throne.
Speaking at the event, Makinde emphasised the significance of the Alaafin stool and his commitment to maintaining its sanctity.
He stated, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.”
Clarifying his neutrality during the selection process, Makinde added, “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool, and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.”
The governor also highlighted his administration’s non-partisan approach to traditional leadership matters, referencing his previous decisions in other chieftaincy affairs.
“When we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction,” he noted.
Citing another instance, he said, “When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend.’ They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.”
Tribune Online reports that Governor Makinde on Friday approved Owoade’s appointment, ending an over two-year vacancy for the revered position.
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